A section of a student accommodation complex known as Pentagon Lodge, located near the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AE-FUNAI) in Ebonyi State, collapsed on Friday afternoon.
The three-storey building reportedly developed visible cracks before the incident, prompting some occupants to vacate the premises. Although no casualties had been confirmed as of the time of this report, several students’ belongings were believed to be inside, particularly those of residents who had travelled out of town.
Pentagon Lodge is said to comprise five separate blocks, and the collapse affected a portion of one of the structures.
Speaking to Channels Television, the Public Relations Officer of AE-FUNAI, Elom Iyke Ubochi, confirmed the incident and expressed relief that it occurred during lecture hours when most students were likely to be away from their lodgings.
“From what I’ve heard so far, there’s no casualty. It happened during school hours, when students were attending lectures and other activities. Unfortunately, some of their properties were affected,” he said.
Ubochi added that any affected students are expected to formally report to the Dean of Student Affairs so that the university management can take appropriate action.
While no injuries have been reported, attention is now shifting to possible search-and-rescue operations, and a structural assessment of the remaining parts of the affected building and other blocks in the compound is anticipated.
